Minerva "Minnie" Silva Kirscht

Minnie, 88, was born April 17, 1937, and passed away peacefully November 30, 2025, at home with her loving husband of 65 years, Duane, by her side. Born in Robstown, Texas, she carried her Texas and Mexican pride with her. Minnie graduated from W.B. Ray High School in Corpus Christi, TX where she played the clarinet in the marching band. She was member of the Prima Debs in Corpus Christi and Minnie went on to gain her Associates degree and worked at a radio station shortly after gaining that degree. She met Duane on a blind date set up by her best friend, Vi. They married 6 months later and were happily married for 65 years.

She was an avid golfer and was a member of the Working Women’s group and the Tuesday Women’s group at Meadow Hills Golf Course. She could read greens as well as she read books—two passions that brought her joy, and a little friendly competition along the way. Whether she was lost in a novel or lining up a perfect drive, she lived life to the fullest.

Minnie loved her work at Cherry Creek Schools. She was there 37 years and transformed the District Admissions Department. Minnie started her work at District Admissions in a small trailer next to Cherry Creek High School and actively participated in the development of school boundaries, pioneered Kindergarten Round Up, worked with the Computer Science group to make obtaining student’s school records easier for families. She led and oversaw the District Admissions office growth from one office to 4 offices throughout the Cherry Creek School District making it easier for families to enroll their children in school. Minnie championed the English as a Second Language program, a passion that derived from her inability to go to school until she learned English. Spanish was her first language. After her retirement, she remained active in the Retired Employees of Cherry Creek Schools.

She gained numerous lifelong friends and her generosity towards all showed how big her heart was. She was beloved by all who met her, had a fantastic sense of humor and was quite a remarkable woman.

As a mother, she was no stranger to hosting anyone who needed a meal and place to stay. Minnie actively participated in her children’s lives and was known to cook Mexican food for classes of 32, host spaghetti dinners for the football team, attend all her children’s sporting events bringing food for the teams to eat throughout the day and sponsoring foreign students. Minnie was also known for her delicious chocolate chip cookies.

She is survived by her husband Duane and her children, Myra and Craig (Melody) and all those who were fortunate enough to know her.

She leaves behind a legacy of love, happiness and a life well-lived. She will be greatly missed.

Minnie’s service will be held at Church of the Risen Christ Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at 10 am with a reception to follow.